Punjab Kings Hardik Pandya’s move could unleash his best options: Ravi Shastri warns opponents

“You know whenever he plays, if he is fully fit, he is the best in the business of T20 cricket. He is a real match winner,” Shastri said.

The comments come at an important time in Hardik’s IPL career. His proposed move to Punjab Kings, with Arshdeep Singh heading to Mumbai Indians in exchange, is all but done, with India Today learning that both franchises have submitted their expressions of interest to the BCCI. Official confirmation is expected once the necessary paperwork is completed.

A NEW BEGINNING IN PUNJAB?

Hardik’s potential departure would bring an end to his second stint with Mumbai Indians, where his return in 2024 was accompanied by a change in leadership. Rohit Sharma took over as captain but the franchise struggled to find consistency in his three seasons in charge.

Mumbai endured a difficult IPL 2026 campaign, finishing ninth with just four wins from 14 matches. They have missed the playoffs twice in the three seasons since Hardik became captain, and are now expected to bring Rohit back to the leadership role for 2027.

Punjab, meanwhile, could offer Hardik a different environment. The franchise narrowly missed out on the playoffs in 2026 after reaching the finals the previous season under Shreyas Iyer. Hardik is expected to join as a player and Shreyas will continue as captain.

WHY WAS HARDIK AWAY FROM CRICKET?

Hardik’s absence has been prolonged by a series of fitness setbacks since IPL 2026. He last played a competitive match on May 24, having already missed four matches during the tournament due to back spasms. A subsequent leg strain added to his recovery woes and kept him at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru for an extended period.

His return was initially expected in September and he was named in the India A squad for the one-day series against Australia A in October. However, a fresh injury to his right shin forced him to withdraw. He reportedly still experienced pain while bowling and was advised to rest before resuming his rehabilitation.

The failure also ruled him out of India’s white-ball series against New Zealand. Hardik was then omitted from Baroda squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which begins on November 14, once again delaying his return to competitive cricket.

Indian captain Shubman Gill emphasized that Hardik will have to play domestic cricket and prove his fitness before returning to the national side. With his comeback still on hold, the immediate priority will be to get back on the field and build match fitness before the next international assignment.

For Punjab, the prospect of a fully fit Hardik is exciting. But before he can hit the ground running in the new setup, the all-rounder must first get over the injuries that have kept him out for nearly six months.

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